iPad

February 16th, 2012 posted by Nadia Kassam
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Tablet computer technology has attracted considerable interest from members of the educational field, who see possibilities for learning in simple, tactile interfaces and customizability of apps to individual learning styles. In the battle for dominance, the iPad has been widely hailed as a “miracle device” for children with developmental disabilities.

Developers and media have been quick to capitalize on the hype. Hundreds of iPad apps catering to children with developmental disabilities can be found, and new ones are in constant development. Apps have a range of uses, from game-based learning to alternative communication. For instance, Quick Cues teaches skills such as social interaction and reading body language through social scripts. Autoverbal Pro Talking Soundboard is the leading communication app in that category and helps children express themselves with a combination of text-to-speech, photographs, and built-in phrases. Flashcards acts as a multimedia version of paper flashcards, adding sound clips and games to visuals of words, letters, animals, and colours.

The benefits of such apps are tangible. Videos featuring children with disabilities using iPads showed them learning through interaction and communicating better. Their instructors were provided with instant feedback and a clearer understanding of the children’s progress. Dr. Howard Shane of Children’s Hospital Boston said of the iPad’s therapeutic value, “We’re not curing Autism, but we’re offering a tool that improves the potential of a person with autism: gives them more opportunities to be better communicators, to be better understanders, to be better learners. The iPad is clearly the next step, it’s a game changer.” As a communications device, the iPad is also a winner; its $500 price tag is a fraction of more traditional Assistive and Augmentative Communications devices which can cost as much as $7,000.

With that said, it would be remiss to regard the iPad as a faultless product. Those in wheelchairs may have difficulty finding a comfortable way to use the device. It is also fragile and prone to damage if dropped or improperly handled. Any technical problems that may occur could prove challenging for children to deal with and increase their stress levels and frustration. Though charities to provide children in need with iPads exist, their resources are limited and the iPad may be cost prohibitive for some families. There is also a danger of the device being used as a substitute for human contact and one-on-one teaching. These drawbacks must be considered with the potential benefits before investing in an iPad for your child.

Does your child use an iPad? Have you found it a valuable educational and communications tool, or is it just a means of entertainment? Or is there another device that better helps your child to learn and communicate? Speak out in the comments section below and tell us about your experiences.

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By: Nadia Kassam